Growing unusual herbs and spices

There is a surprising variety of exotic herbs and spices that can be grown at home. Find out how to grow lemongrass, fenugreek and more.

11/08/2017

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growing unusual herbs and spices

hannah jolliffe

Fenugreek

Fenugreek

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You may think certain herbs and spices are too exotic to grow yourself, but many will thrive in your home and garden. From lemongrass and Thai basil to turmeric and fenugreek, growing a few unusual varieties will add interest to your garden – and your plate!

Lemongrass

How to grow lemongrass

It's very simple to grow your own lemongrass from the sticks you buy in shops. Scrape away the dry outer layers at the base of the stalk to expose the yellow flesh. Plant into some gritty compost, about an inch deep, and it should root within a month. It likes warm climates, so grow it in pots, starting in spring/summer.

Move on to a bigger pot as it grows, and bring inside when the weather gets colder.

Thai basil

How to grow Thai basil

Thai or ‘sweet’ basil seeds are easy to find and if you’ve grown normal basil from seed the process is very similar. Sow indoors between February and June in small pots or trays of seed compost. Keep watered in a sunny pot and germination should take place within two weeks.

Transfer into larger pots when plants reach a few centimetres, being careful not to overwater to prevent ‘damping off’. Once the risk of frost has passed, plant out in the ground or the greenhouse. Pinch out the top tip when side shoots appear to encourage the plant to bush out.

How to use Thai basil in cooking

Its sweet, aniseed flavour makes a great garnish on Thai curries and stir fries. It gives the salad in this sea bass in sweet chilli sauce recipe a real kick, too.

Turmeric

How to grow turmeric

Fresh turmeric may be tricky to find, but it’s very easy to grow! Search for it in Asian supermarkets – it looks like ginger, but is bright orange inside. Try to find a piece with bumpy nodes, then leave it in a warm place until these have sprouted. Once it sprouts, plant it in compost, making sure the water can drain easily as it hates being waterlogged.

How to use turmeric in cooking

Once your plant grows it will become a pleasant house plant, with green leaves and white flowers.

Its roots are the edible part, so gently remove a small clump of the plant with roots intact to harvest it. Fresh turmeric can be dried and ground into powder, but it also adds a flavour and colour boost to smoothies, marinades and curries.

Fenugreek

How to grow fenugreek

Also known as ‘methi’, fenugreek can be grown in beds or pots, but it doesn’t like being transplanted, so start it off where you intend to grow it. Fenugreek enjoys warmer climates, so choose a sunny spot, spacing seeds a few inches apart and keeping watered. Fenugreek grows quickly – it should germinate within a few days, and leaves will be ready to pick within six weeks.

How to use fenugreek in cooking

The leaves and tender stems can be used to add flavour to curries, and the seeds can be dried and stored in an airtight container. You’ll find seeds in many traditional Indian recipes – we love the fragrant flavour they add to this hyderabadi biryani.

Mustard

How to grow mustard

Another spice that’s easy to grow from seed. Plant them in a shallow tray and pot on when they’ve grown two sets of leaves. Once in pots, grow in a sunny indoor spot and water regularly.

How to use mustard in cooking

Harvest young leaves for a subtle mustardy kick in your salads. You can also remove the long seed pods and dry them out to use as seeds in Indian recipes like this sambar, or grind them up for a homemade mustard.

The opinions expressed are those of the author and are not held by Saga unless specifically stated.

The material is for general information only and does not constitute investment, tax, legal, medical or other form of advice. You should not rely on this information to make (or refrain from making) any decisions. Always obtain independent, professional advice for your own particular situation.

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